Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 08.djvu/451

Rh at Richmond in October, was called to Washington to negotiate with the War Department concerning the sale to the government of a sabre attachment which he had invented, and for which he held a patent. While in Washington on this business the news was received of the "John Brown Raid" at Harper's Ferry. Stuart was requested to convey to Arlington a secret communication to Lieut. Colonel Robert E. Lee, who had been selected to command the marines sent to suppress the insurrection. Although the facts had been kept entirely concealed, he perceived that something unusual was transpiring, and volunteered his services as Aid to Colonel Lee. The part taken by Stuart in this brief war has been so often misstated that I give his own account taken from a letter to his mother written in January, 1860. He distinctly disclaims the honor, so often ascribed to him, of having led the storming party against the Engine House; but testifies to the gallantry of Lieut. Green, commander of the marines, and of Major Russel, paymaster in the same corps, who, side by side led the assault. He says: "I was deputed by Colonel Lee to read to the leader, then called, a demand to surrender immediately; and I was instructed to leave the door after his refusal, which was anticipated, and wave my cap; at which signal the storming party was to advance, batter open the doors, and capture the insurgents at the point of the bayonet. I approached the door in the presence of two thousand spectators, and told that I had a communication for him from Colonel Lee. He opened the door about four inches and placed his body against the crack, with a cocked carbine in his hand. The parley was a long one. He presented his propositions in every possible shape, and with admirable tact; but all amounted to this, that the only condition upon which he would surrender was, that he and his party should be allowed to escape. Some of his prisoners begged me with tears to ask Col. Lee to come and see him. I told them he would never accede to any terms but those he had offered; and as soon as I could tear myself away from their importunities I left, waved my cap, and Col. Lee's plan was carried out." *   *   *  " When  first came to the door I recognized old 'Osawatomie Brown,' who had given us so much trouble in Kansas. No one then present but myself could have performed this service."

In the Summer of 1860 the First cavalry was engaged in building Fort Wise, now Fort Lyon, and from this point Lieutenant Stuart, who had been notified of his promotion to a captaincy, but had not yet received his commission, made his way to Virginia in the Spring of 1861, and offered his sword for the defence of his native state. His